RockAuntie

See it if You love rock music & wink at attendant, life craziness that's a part of music icons. Super to see the talented women play these guys!

Don't see it if You hate rock music, and any plays that featured cross-gender portrayals. You truly enjoy established musical theater.

See it if You enjoy clever, politically-oriented humor. Like a questioning, "liberal" slant of comments on the current state of life in the USA.

Don't see it if You hate political commentary, especially from a Northeastern comedian/writer. You prefer a classic, linear comedy structured for a cast.

See it if You value intelligent writing on an important issue of truth in journalism & beyond. Terrific acting, and timing by the very notable cast.

Don't see it if You don't read factual material - preferring escapist, non-fiction instead. Your theater-going must be a light, comedy or juke-box musical.

See it if You're a fan of Theresa Rebeck's (though not her best play), plus Tyne & Tim Daly. You like a contemporary, drama that evokes danger/evil.

Don't see it if You wish a clearly plotted mystery, that wraps up in a predictable manner. You're only keen on light comedy and or musicals.

Also The part of The Cherry Lane where "Downstairs" is performing was bloody FREEZING for the 11/23 matinee!
So much so, that had there been an intermission, some of us would have left.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a satiric look at modern marriage among "first world", privileged folks. You relish plays by a sharp, feminist playwright.

Don't see it if You detest plays that deal with the trails & tribulations of current married life. You wish a fluffy comedy or pop musical.

Also Though I have seen two, fine plays at Urban Stages, the area where it's located is unfortunately quite sad.
If you're a woman on your own, be alert to your surroundings.... Read more Read less

See it if You wish a challenging work of a religious, historical figure,with dimensions not known by most. You're open to pro & con re: religion.

Don't see it if You wish a light drama play, a comedy, or musical. A show with a contemporary plot. You only want to see Glen Close, as the play is long.

See it if You enjoy historical fare, based on a famous woman, who defied the conventions of her era. You enjoy sharp writing, said by a smart woman.

Don't see it if You dislike plays set in the past, with Shakespearean refs. You don't appreciate shows that champion very strong women. You want fluff.

Also Though I'm a long-time, avid feminist, I found the audience clapping at certain pro-female dialogue annoying.... Read more Read less

See it if You value theater re: a relevant social issue, in this case young people in our bizarre incarceration system. You work in counseling.

Don't see it if You wish a fluffy, fun comedy or musical. You dislike sampling new off, off B'Way shows of any type.

Also More clarification of the book would be wise, as to the outcome of the young protagonists, and who was determining it.
I thought the actors were uniformity excellent!... Read more Read less

See it if You like old fashioned musicals, even with a confusing book. But really go for super Melissa Errico, fine Mr. Bogardus, and Irish Rep. cast.

Don't see it if You dislike fluffy musicals, stories that are fanciful, and set in another era. You prefer challenging theater, even with a musical.

See it if You wish to become familiar with a lesser known Spanish work, for most Americans. Great acting and recalls Shakespeare a bit.

Don't see it if You dislike seeing any non-English work with subtitles. (Translation device available) You don't like gender transitions in the plot.

See it if You wish a play dealing with the stages and ages of one woman's life, and toxic relationship with her son. Albeit, the woman is privileged.

Don't see it if You wish light, fluffy fare or may be caring for a difficult, elderly parent.

See it if You enjoy a fast paced, satirical look at early 20th Century political, cultural, literary movements. You enjoy British theatrical style.

Don't see it if You wish a simple, linear, comedy or drama and are not comfortable with the English language.

See it if You do not know the sad, difficult time when AIDS first spread. Scenes of various people affected are well shown- especially by Lee Pace.

Don't see it if You want a light, frivolous theater show. And fine as all of "Angels" is, it is quite tough to endure its length.

See it if You want a super, kitschy musical show, with foreign visitors. Soo nutsy with it's mash-up of classical, opera & classical that I laughed!

Don't see it if You are a serious, classical, or rock music fan, or love traditional musical theater.

Also The spotlights emanating from the stage and hitting the audience are Very Annoying!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy plays, that deal with politics, past/present. You are like The West Wing, Wag the Dog etc. and brittle dialogue between men/women.

Don't see it if You dislike any projects that portray the USA and the CIA in a negative light. You wish a breezy, light political show like Veep.

See it if You enjoy comedy/drama plays about family life, based in reality. You've dealt with the passing of a parent(s), handling it with siblings.

Don't see it if You desire an experimental show, that is not rooted in American, middle-class, life experiences.

Also Kudos to the author, and producers of this play for finding such a lovely talented actress to play "Amy", and in other performances - a fellow to be "Andy"!... Read more Read less

See it if You want a contemporary take on relationships of men/women +satiric, insightful commentary! Smart life observations + great literary refs!

Don't see it if You dislike new plays about present day young adults,with all their foibles. You prefer shows by established, older playwrights.

Also The cast was terrific! Loved writer Kate Benson's narration!

See it if You wish to learn about one man being Sicilian-Amer. in R.Is. And less known historical facts of 19th Cent. Sicilian immigration to the USA

Don't see it if You desire a broader, funnier, insightful look of being Sicilian/Italian -American in the USA. You don't want distasteful, medical details.

Also When the 43 year old Nick Albanese shows photos of famous Italian/Sicilian performers who inspired him - every picture is of a man!

One would expect a theatre professional of his age to be able to acknowledge at least a few of these superb, Italian-American Women Performers:
Anne Bancroft, Bernadette Peters, Sophia Coppola, Penny Marshall, Susan Lucci!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy plays that deal with current world themes and people. You're open to storylines about situations that are perhaps "foreign" to you

Don't see it if You only enjoy American/English, classic theater & revivals. You don't travel or have interest in the lives of people from other countries.

Also Show does need tighter focus and editing.
All the cast is terrific!... Read more Read less

See it if You have an interest and some knowledge of Wall Street activities. You're attuned to fast paced, intelligent, dialogue and unique staging.

Don't see it if You are seeking a fun-holiday play for friends/family. This is play is best for an avid theater goer who likes more challenging material.

Also I thought lead Stephen Pasquale and all the cast superb!

See it if You really love the score, and of course Bette Midler. I enjoyed seeing Dolly per Show Score, and am So Glad I did not pay a huge price!

Don't see it if You love edgy, new musicals, as this is as "old-timey" as it gets!

See it if You enjoy a very, talented cast and band, singing, dancing, playing in a clever show with country western, zydeco style. You like 1920's era

Don't see it if You like musical dramas with an edgy theme. Familiar musical revivals.

See it if You like a fact based story with country western music. You enjoy seeing actors & musicians playing dual roles. But some trimming is needed

Don't see it if You dislike a simple set musical, with a Texas/country western flavor. No frothy, fun stuff here.

See it if You like political satire that highlights sexual shenanigans! You want to see a talented, new performer, Erica Vlahinos strut her stuff!

Don't see it if You are easily offended by sexual material. You revere our male, US presidents - warts and all.

See it if You enjoy original work that deals with the insanity of admiring labels and brand names. And writing that deals with women and money.

Don't see it if You admire TV shows like "Real Housewives", Kardashians, and think women should look to men to support them.

See it if You enjoy a mystery, dramedy set in a realistic, family background. Seeing working class characters with non- politically correct views.

Don't see it if If you have a family, close friend dealing with dementia. Dislike the intensity of a blue collar family struggling with old secrets.

Also Thought the acting was excellent and good plot twists.
But felt the play could be tightened in length. Plus some dramatic revelations are stretched out too much for effect.... Read more Read less

See it if An opportunity to see a very talented cast portray stories of a forgotten chapter of WW1 American history. You enjoy innovative musicals.

Don't see it if You only like musical revivals or new musicals with a contemporary setting. You like conventional dramas, or light comedies.

Also I agree with the NYT reviewer who wrote that the great promise of the first act, lead to a bloated and overly sentimental second act.
I truly hope "The Hello Girls" is re-worked a bit - the book shortened, two ballads dropped and more lively music added.
Really would love to see this extremely, clever new musical, with such a talented cast, have an long life!... Read more Read less

See it if You like Paddy Chayefsky's writing, skewering corporations, through a fictional TV co. Clever, fast paced staging, and media images abound.

Don't see it if You prefer an established, linear drama, light comedy, or musical. You revere TV shows and would not appreciate the satire of the media.

Also Though he's a fine actor, I thought Tony Goldwyn too young for the role of "Max Schumacher".
Also, I fail to see the need for audience members dining on stage.
I think that stage space could have been another part of the "UBS Network", or 1970's families at home, in a recliner lounge, or sofa, watching TV - the action on stage.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy Joyce's works, fine acting, sweet music in a beautiful setting of 1904 Dublin. You wish to dress up a bit, and "channel the era"!

Don't see it if You are bored by classic Irish theater, & literature. You wish a light comedy, musical in a traditional theater. You cannot stand for awhile

Also It would be wise for the theater company to post a large sign by the coat check, asking all guests to turn their cell phones OFF!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to "Turn Back Time" and have a Cher concert! It's fun, great leads do the songs justice & fantastic costumes! The book "Love &Pain"

Don't see it if You dislike pop, rock music and Cher songs. Don't like the usually, poor script that comes with a jukebox musical.

Also Sit close to the stage to hopefully avoid the annoying audiences that tend to be upstairs.
This play (like many jukebox musicals), attracts a lot of folks who talk & sing along, thinking they're in their homes instead of a theater!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy British comedies, especially set in working class, England. You like accents, refs of North England, & games like darts, pool.

Don't see it if You hate games like billiards, darts, a play with working class, gangster English settings. Your Brit fare is Noel Coward or Downton Abbey.

Also Alexandra Billings was especially funny as she delivers those great malaprops!... Read more Read less

See it if You wish to see the wise, AR Gurney's brilliant take on careers, money, education, family and sexual relationships. Writings of a gentleman!

Don't see it if You wish edgy, current, content with rougher language and actions. You want either an old fashioned comedy, or Lena Dunham/Judd Apatow fare

Also The cast was superb - especially Rachel Nicks, Colin Hanlon, Piter Marek & Betsy Aidem!... Read more Read less

See it if You love classic rock, blues, pop music from the "50's, 60's! Are not seeking a plot. Terrific cast that can sing,dance, great musicians!

Don't see it if You dislike rock and pop music. Are seeking a conventional musical with a book, and either a new or classic American Songbook score.

See it if You want to observe and probably later discuss, just what ambition, success and personal happiness means to many middle income Americans.

Don't see it if You dislike plays dealing with striving for individual growth in current America. You wish a fluffy, diversion.

Also I thought the initial noisy rap music setup,was cleverly and humorously explained by two engaging performers!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy campy shows with Very obvious double-entendres, and pop rock music - the Go Go's. I love rock, so the numbers did appeal to me.

Don't see it if You dislike pop/rock music and a play set in a fantasy world. And you are offended by gay references.

Also The cast is game and all do their best to entertain us.
I just like my whimsical shows Much Shorter, like 90 mins. and no intermission.... Read more Read less

See it if You like an play that challenges you intellectually, instead of soft, entertaining fare. You really enjoyed the play "Travesties".

Don't see it if You seek a funny, comedy or light drama play - basically one with a more conventional plot.

See it if You enjoy classic British humor, settings and a satiric overview of much of the 20th Century. The acting is superb and quite clever staging!

Don't see it if You dislike British themed shows, have a hard time with English phrasing, dialects and references. And this play would be too long for you

See it if You are a fan of amateur "therapy", and inter-active, pseudo -psychological performances. The best talkers were not the over the top plants.

Don't see it if You want a sharp, comic, improvisational show.

Also I enjoyed discovering McHales for dinner, drinks before a Broadway play!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy shows that deal with the Baby Boomer generation, and NYC -centric family/comedies.

Don't see it if You are tired of plays/movies involving the Baby Boomer generation. You wish a show in a comfortable setting.

Also I like the 59E59 Theatre and am a subscriber, but Theater C is not very comfortable.
Thankfully this play was around 90mins.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in stories of the immigrant experience in coming to N. America, especially the Jewish diaspora. You like Klezmer music.

Don't see it if You are sensitive to brutal, verbal descriptions of genocide. Curse words offend you. You are expecting a fun-klezmer musical.

See it if You are a "kid at heart" and would enjoy a wildly, creative set, eclectic, pop music and great dancing! A few, sly references for adults.

Don't see it if You only like classic, musical revivals or new, edgy, musicals. And it is a bit too long, at two hours plus.

Also The choreography and dancers are superb, and very athletic!
It's fun to see the kids in the audience loving the show.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy one person shows, with this performance, a very, gay storyline. You, friends, family are gay and may relate to the references.

Don't see it if You are easily offended by a show with a homosexual story, foul language, and reference to drug usage.

Also Jeff Hiller is terrific! Superb timing and an example of "working" with characters not present on the stage.... Read more Read less

See it if You're a fan of Ahrens/Flaherty's work and enjoy unusual themes and clever, improvised staging. You have tweens that love inventive plays.

Don't see it if You expect music/songs that will resonate with you after the show, and like classic revivals. This isn't a "Ragtime", in any way!

Also Though I did not enjoy the show as much as I anticipated, the performers were uniformly excellent!!!!
Also, fascinating costumes, and staging.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy intelligent, work place dramas, that reflect on relationships between the sexes. You're interested in women's advancement.

Don't see it if You only enjoy lighter dramas, comedies. You long for ALL aspects of life in America, of decades ago!

Also Loved seeing a new work by superb writer Theresa Rebeck!

See it if You like Lisa Lampanelli's raunchy comedy, or have struggled with body/weight issues. You're female, or don't mind show featuring all women.

Don't see it if You like sophisticated comedy, and not in a revue motif. You don't enjoy a show featuring an all-female cast and subject of food & weight.

Also The show is ambitious but really needs to be edited.
Also better pacing to work in the four individual stories, starting the first one sooner.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy quick, disjointed impressions on a theme, in this case "a corporation". You don't mind a topic satirized, with little exposition.

Don't see it if You're expecting an off, off, B'way type of "Enron", or like a super, off B'way play of 2016, "Men of Tortuga". Both dealt with corporations

See it if You love musical theater of all styles, as Hal Prince was involved with many diverse, groundbreaking shows. It's a terrific, musical revue!

Don't see it if If you expect a coherent book of this play. And you dislike musical theater in general.

Also It would help to have some titles of numbers from lesser known shows projected on the curtain.... Read more Read less

See it if You love seeing fantastic, young musicians and singers perform so well! It will lift your spirits and give you faith in new talents!

Don't see it if You are a misanthrope who doesn't like music and a good time.

See it if You love anything set in Britain, and the clash of culture topics it mines. The "rubes" and supremely, politically-correct are satirized.

Don't see it if You are expecting a laugh-fest. The second act is darker than expected. You like clarity, as some plot points are left hanging.